With 2025 just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your career and where you’d like to be. Our 2024 annual report highlighted that only 5% of legal professionals are actively seeking new roles, yet many would consider moving for the right opportunity. Because the majority of your peers are passive on the jobs market, early preparation can make you more competitive when January’s hiring season heats up.
Here’s how to take steps now to make the most of these opportunities.
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Think About Your Priorities
Start by evaluating what you want to achieve. Are you aiming for progression, a more manageable caseload, or a better work-life balance? Our report shows that lawyers’ priorities in 2024 centred on fair pay, flexibility, and cultural fit. Identifying what you value will guide your search towards firms that truly align with what’s important to you.
To help refine your direction, try taking our Career Reflection Quiz. This tool helps you assess whether your current trajectory meets your goals or if it’s time to explore new options.
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Refresh Your Professional Profiles
Ensure your CV and LinkedIn profiles reflect your recent accomplishments, as firms increasingly seek candidates with a proven track record. Our report reveals that firms are especially drawn to lawyers who can demonstrate high-quality work and a client-centric approach. Highlighting these areas will help you stand out to employers actively seeking the best talent.
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Research Potential Firms
Researching firms now can save time later and help you identify the environments that best suit you. Our findings indicate that a firm’s approach to wellbeing, flexibility, and workload management are top concerns for many legal professionals, so take note of firms that excel in these areas.
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Tap into Your Network
Networking remains a powerful tool for uncovering unadvertised roles. Use the coming months to reconnect with contacts who can offer insights into potential opportunities or referrals. As many firms are moving towards passive recruitment strategies, expanding your network could be the key to uncovering opportunities that aren’t publicly listed.
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Partner with a Specialist Recruiter
A specialist legal recruiter can be an invaluable partner in your search. With the job market tightening, recruiters like Realm can help you navigate open roles, gain insight into firm cultures, and ensure your values align with your prospective employers.
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Get Ready to Interview
When the time comes to apply, be interview-ready. Research firms and practice articulating your career achievements confidently, focusing on the priorities our report highlighted: competitive pay, flexibility, and positive workplace culture. This preparation will not only improve your interview performance but also help confirm whether the role aligns with your goals.
Taking steps now will position you to make the most of the January hiring wave and pursue a fresh start in 2025. By preparing early, you’ll ensure you’re ready to seize the right opportunity when it arises.
If you’d like to get the ball rolling, why check out our latest roles? Or upload your CV and one of our practice area specialists will be in touch.
